MTB ~~> Commuter: Final Version!

[Andrea]

Definitely not the prettiest bike on the road, but here's the mule...

[coyote]

I love it! Where on earth did you find that beautiful lavander handlebar tape?

Hope you and your commuter have many happy miles

[Melalvai]

Wow, I love it. It looks like a solid commuter bike! Our commuter bikes are the plowhorses of bicycles.

[Andrea]

Thanks, everyone! And the bar tape is Bontrager gel cork. I love it because it's comfy, easy to wrap, comes in a ton of colors, and it's got a tacky, but not too sticky backing on it (you don't have to peel paper off to get to the sticky part).

Today is car-free day #3! I've found that if you've got a pannier on the left side of your bike that cars will generally not buzz you like they will if you are on a naked bike.

[Melalvai]

Today is car-free day #3! I've found that if you've got a pannier on the left side of your bike that cars will generally not buzz you like they will if you are on a naked bike.

Congratulations! Do you have a goal number of days, or just for the heck of it to see how long it goes, or something?

If you find cars buzz you too close, especially if it's always on one really narrow street, try riding a little further to the LEFT, even in the middle of your lane. It is counter-intuitive but if they HAVE to move into the other lane even a little bit, they tend to give you more space. Try it out and see what works for you. I only know how the traffic in my town responds.

[Andrea]

No particular goal- just trying to keep money in my own pocket rather than the evil oil company pocket

Oh yeah, and saving the world & all that is fun, too...


I already use the "middle of the lane" technique when I ride my road bike, but I haven't found the need to so far when on the loaded pack mule. It works on Memphis drivers, too!

[bikerHen]

Great makeover!
I still think you should think about some fenders. There are some very styling fenders out there. I was sure glad to have mine today riding to work in the pouring rain. bikerHen

[Tri Girl]

It looks GREAT! You did a fantastic job!!!
I love those trekking bars. I want some for my commuter, but will need to ask my LBS for help putting them on since I have twist grip shifters.
Congrats on your new "car."

[sundial]

Great job Andrea! You'll look so smart and oh so grand on that commuter bike. I noticed it's outfitted with Coke. Got a Peet's bag tucked away somewhere?

[Andrea]

^It's actually got some coffee in the pannier! I thought I'd try some of the Target brand fair trade organic. It's actually pretty darn good. No Major Dickason's or anything, but I actually like it better than the Peet's anniversary blend that I tried last time.

After a handful of 12 mile commutes, I think I may end up selling that B17 special and getting one of the wider Brooks saddles. I feel like the edges of my seatbones are making contact with those pretty copper rivets